Sunday, October 5, 2014

Artsy Fartsy Tunic, Butterick 5925


Don't let my reasonably pleasant facial expression fool you. I quite hate this garment.

I don't blame Katherine Tilton for the design, or the folks at Butterick for the drafting; I just don't like this tunic on me at all.


I suppose it must be that all the drama and volume happen around the low hip. Big godets, big pockets and twisted trim. The pocket design is actually pretty nifty, as well as pretty easy to sew. But the pockets aren't much good for anything other than a tissue or a hand. I wouldn't carry anything of any weight in this pocket, as the garment is so voluminous that the pockets swing freely when the wearer moves.


I feel more like a bottom-heavy triangle in this tunic than usual. The vital statistics, for your information: size XS, sleeves shortened 1 1/4", burgundy cotton sweater knit from FabricMart Fabrics. I followed the pattern directions quite faithfully, with the exception of the points at the hemline: I mitered those, which I don't think I was instructed to do by the pattern. I left the sleeve edges unhemmed.


The neckline binding is also twisted. It's a cool detail conceptually but, again, not something I like on myself.

The heck of it is that I will probably wear this quite a bit. It's pretty soft and snuggly. But just between us, I'm not a fan of the style or the color on me.

15 comments:

  1. I like it. It has such cool details. Have you thought about pairing it with a narrow skirt or maybe some leggings? It might work with a long flowy skirt too. If you aren't crazy about the color on you, a scarf would help that.

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    1. Thanks, Dawn--I will try the skirt and skinny pants. I don't think the long flowy skirt is going to be my thing. Wish I had an appropriate scarf!!!

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  2. Sometimes those "not so favorites" become quite workhorses for me. I plan to make this, but no time yet.

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    1. Linda, it's fun to make and quick. Bet it would be great on you.

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  3. I actually like the style of this top -- I am definitely going to make this one--with a few minor alterations. I might do a cowl or turtleneck. I also thought about collarless with a front center or shoulder button tab. I would also delete the pockets and maybe use a different color for the godets. Seeing this on you made me want to try it. The way it is shown on the Butterick website, it wouldn't even be a consideration.

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    1. Robin, cowl is a great idea. And deleting the pockets would certainly result in less bulk. One other thought that your comments inspires: the godet could be narrowed so that it adds less volume. Glad you are feeling the urge to try it--it is fun to try out Katherine Tilton's shapes.

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  4. Oh, I think it's cute - and so cozy! I agree with Dawn, you might like it better over leggings or skinny jeans. I've got this pattern and hope to get one made up for this winter.

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    1. Angela, this would really suit you. It is quick to make. The hardest part is finding the right cozy fabric.

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  5. I'm another one who votes for a more fitted bottom half to compensate for the volume in the tunic. You know, if I had taken time and effort to make something and then I didn't like it, I think I might cry... But then I'm a big baby! Actually, the colour is pretty on you, but yes, maybe a contrasting print scarf would break up the block of colour? Hope you do wear it, and get to love it too! xxx

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    1. Win some, lose some! We must be philosophical about coming up with at least some less-than-ideal homemade garments, because we can't try it on before we commit to making it.

      I promise I will try a slimmer piece on the bottom!! Thanks for your ideas!!

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  6. Definitely leggings - my first thought on seeing this! The top is super cute and would look great on you, I think, paired with the right bottom. Boots as well if you are into them. The color is very flattering for you and I rather like the unusual neckline as well.

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    1. Thanks, Reason's, and what a handle you've got there! You're another vote for a more fitted bottom, so I guess I'd better get out (or obtain) my skinny pants.

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  7. We think it looks great on you, for what it's worth. This pattern is one of our bestsellers; people are loving it big-time.

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    1. Thank you, Meg! I will say that my friend for whom I sew saw it on me yesterday and ordered one for herself. I guess that's as good a recommendation as any!

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  8. well, i agree with many here that you look very cute in this - the color is gangbusters, you look quite vibrant! I agree that all the deets cluster about the low hip and many ladies don't care for that look, i dont' mind myself.

    I think it's interesting to note a couple of things about this design in terms of how it interacts with the figure. First, all that volume and detail around the low hip - well, it's going to emphasize that area of the body. Second - if you look at Katherine Tilton, she's a strong Inverted Triangle. Exactly the type of figure who can carry off this type of style with panache.

    I love Marcy Tilton's styles, but so many of them just don't work well with my IT/hourglass figure; Marcy's a small-boned rectangle. So i mostly admire from afar :)

    Well, i hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of this top either way! steph

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